Books and Manuscripts

Future President James Monroe Seeks Medical Consultation for his Daughter From Preeminent Physician, Dr. Benjamin Rush

Washington, (D.C.), May 26, 1811. One sheet folded to make four pages, 10 x 8 in. (254 x 203 mm) (sight). Autograph letter, signed by James Monroe, as Secretary of State, to Benjamin Rush, "Dear Sir/Many years have lapsed since I had the pleasure/to see you, tho' I have always taken a great interest in your welfare/& in your professional success & fame. I am sorry that a/case in which my daughter Mrs. Hay is interested, should be the/particular-matter to this communication. I am inclined to/apply to you, from the respect I have for your talents, and a/belief that it will give you satisfaction, to be instrumental, to/the restoration of her health. As the case is partly a surgi-/cal one, I shall be glad that you will have the goodness, to show/the statement also to Dr. Phisick and send me the result of your/joint reflections on it. I enclose you 20 dolllars, 10. for each/as an introductory fee./With great respect & esteem I am/sincerely your friend & servant/Jas Monroe." Address on verso, also in Monroe's hand. Creasing from original folds; soiling, top left corner. In mat and double-pane plexi-glass frame, with an engraved portraits of Rush, and Monroe, 13 1/2 x 23 3/4 in. (343 x 603 mm). Preston, p. 216

Monroe writes to respected physician and Declaration of Independence signer, Benjamin Rush (1746-1813), seeking to arrange a consultation for his daughter, Eliza Monroe Hay (1786-1840), regarding an unspecified illness.